Derion Kendrick announces entry into NFL draft
Though it’s not a surprise, it is now official that cornerback Derion Kendrick will move on to the NFL ranks.
He announced his decision via a post on Instagram:
“Dawg Nation, when I committed to the University of Georgia I was focused, determined, and ready to WIN, and that’s exactly what we did. I would like to thank Dawg Nation for welcoming me and supporting us throughout the season. Playing in Sanford Stadium was an incredible experience. It was an honor to wear red and black every Saturday. I would also like to thank Coach Swinney and the great fans of Clemson. It was a privilege to play for you all, and I cherish every moment we had together. I have been so blessed to have been able to win a National Championship with two of the most prestigious programs in the country. To my mom, I love you more than words can describe and am thankful for the sacrifices you made for our family. To my family and friends, I appreciate all the love and support over these last 4 years. To my teammates and coaches from both universities, thank you for pushing me to be better every day.”
A 6-foot, 190-pound senior defender who transferred in this season from Clemson, Kendrick started at cornerback in each of Georgia’s 15 games this season.
Derion Kendrick shines in Miami
His most notable performance may have been that in the Orange Bowl against the Wolverines of Michigan, a night in which Kendrick posted two interceptions, five tackles, and a tackle for loss.
Kirby Smart was quick to praise the senior cornerback after the effort.
“I’ll tell you something about this man right here, DK,” Smart said. “There is not a player on our team that prepares harder than he does. He comes to practice every day, gives great effort, takes notes in meetings. I’ve never been around a kid that is so attentive in meetings at the corner position. A lot of them just think I’ve got to go play man. He tunes in, and he’s a competitor. There’s never a walk through that he’s not focused and locked in. He set a great example for our other players. He came from a really good program, he came from where they play really good defense, he fit right in with our guys, and he’s been a tremendous leader. And I’m really proud of everything he’s gotten — a lot of the accolades and the things he deserves tonight in the form of interceptions. He hasn’t gotten those awards in the past, but he’s played really well.”
Derion Kendrick was a former On3 Consensus five-star prospect.
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